Roads around Myrtle Beach, SC are especially dangerous right now after snow. What you need to know
While The Grand Strand isn’t expected to get anymore snowfall, sleet or wintry precipitation in this winter storm system, roadways are especially dangerous in the aftermath of Tuesday’s snowfall.
“It’s not your typical snow event,” said NWS warning coordination meteorologist Steven Pfaff. “Usually you get the snow and it’s gone the next day, but because we have that arctic air mass in place, we anticipate traveling hazards.”
With travel hazards ahead, the NWS issued a special weather statement warning folks of hazardous driving conditions through at least Thursday. Here’s what you need to know.
Snow remains on the roads
According to estimates from the National Weather Service, Horry County received between 3.5 and 6 inches of snow, depending on the area. As frigid temperatures persist, all that snow remains on area roadways.
“Given how cold it is now and the temperatures we anticipate tonight, even with good sunshine, it’s going to be a while before everything melts,” Pfaff said.
Melted snow will refreeze
Even in freezing temperatures, tire traction compresses snow into ice and melts it into slush that quickly refreezes due to the frigid temperatures.
As temperatures are expected to rise Thursday with highs in the upper 30s, but drop below freezing again Thursday night with lows in the low 20s.
Melting and refreezing on roadways frequently brings black ice. According to the NWS, black ice is most prevalent in the early morning after melted snow refreezes overnight. The thin layer of ice is difficult, making it especially dangerous.
“Most areas will have problems today or tomorrow morning and then, to a lesser extent, as we get some additional melting during Thursday,” Pfaff said Wednesday. “But what does melt could refreeze, so we just need to be careful.”
Safe driving tips
While it’s safest to stay off icy roads entirely, there are ways to minimize risk if you have to travel.
Drivers should go slowly, especially when turning, leave plenty of distance between other vehicles and allow ample time to stop.
The NWS cautions drivers to be especially careful on secondary roads, as well as bridges and overpasses, which tend to ice over more easily and quickly.
If you plan to venture onto area roadways, the Horry County Police Department recommends staying inside during the coldest times of day and night when possible.
To stay prepared on dangerous roads, it’s also a good idea to layer up in appropriate cold weather gear, stock your car with blankets, ensure you have at least half a tank of gas and pack an emergency kit with supplies like food, water, first aid supplies, medications, flashlights and batteries.